Eagle versus Patriots: New England's lone psychological advantage, four matchups to watch

Nick Sirianni and his coaching staff versus Bill Belichick and company

Eliot Schorr-Parks' tale of the tape gives the Eagles the edge at quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and in the secondary. He gives the Patriots the edge at running back and linebacker, and he gives the coaches' edge to Bill Belichick and company.

Eliot Schorr-Parks' tale of the tape gives the Eagles the edge at quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and in the secondary. He gives the Patriots the edge at running back and linebacker, and he gives the coaches' edge to Bill Belichick and company.

We're thinking we'd have to agree with him on this one. Games aren't won on paper though. On any given Sunday, any team can lose. No one gets more out of average talent and exploits an opponent's weaknesses than Belichick. He'll try and eliminate the most lethal parts of Philly's offensive attack. The question is this. Does he have the talent to get that done?

Nick Sirianni faces Bill Belichick for the first (and maybe the last) time in his coaching career. The former enters the 2023 NFL season with 23 regular-season wins on his resume. The latter owns 450.

As always, games are won in the trenches, and this game will provide more evidence of that theory.

We mentioned the Patriots' rushing attack and the heavy workload the Eagles' front and second level will see as a result. Let's hope Philly can get out to a lead and ask their pass rush to go hunting and pin their ears back.

On the other side of the ball, Philly's offensive line is well aware of their mission. Clear holes for the Eagles' running game, and keep Jalen Hurts in an upright position. It sounds cliche, but the offensive and defensive lines that impose their will most often will help lead their team to victory. This one should be fun to watch.

Here are a few other stories to get you ready for Week 1.